Henri II: His Court and Times (71 page)

The
Douglas Book,
1: Douglas Memoirs
by William Fraser

One of the most powerful families in Scotland, the
Douglases were active on both sides of the border: sometimes as Wardens
of the Marches, sometimes leading raids deep into England, sometimes
allied with the English against their own monarch. One,
"Good Sir James",
was the
close friend and companion of Robert the Bruce. Their stories are
inextricably linked even beyond Bruce's death, for Sir James was killed
carrying out Bruce's last commission to him: to take his heart to
Palestine. 

The Lennox         
by William Fraser

Probably the best known scion of the Earls of Lennox was
Henry, Lord Darnley, son of Matthew, 12th Earl, and his wife Margaret
Douglas, niece of Henry VIII. The memoirs of these, their relationships
with Mary Queen of Scots and with four monarchs of England make up the
final third of the book. The first section relates the history of the
Lennox area: lands, islands, and castles - in particular Dumbarton
Castle, of major significance in Scottish history. The central part of
the book features biographies of the eight earls of the original race,
followed by those of their eventual successors, the Stewarts of Lennox. 

The Scotts of Buccleuch
by William Fraser

The Scotts of Buccleuch have been important figures in the
history of both Scotland and England. The memoirs cover the leading members
of this family from the late 13th century to the middle of the 19th century,
giving a fascinating insight into many events during that long period, such
as the rescue of Kinmont Willie from Carlisle Castle (which almost caused
a war), and the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth (husband of Lady Anna
Scott).

Muscovy in the Sixteenth Century

Contains
books and
documents, mostly contemporary, about the early contacts between England
and Russia:
"The Discovery of Muscovy", describing the first expedition to
Muscovy, drawn from information received directly
from Richard Chancellor, the pilot. 
"The Booke of the Great and Mighty Emperor of Russia ...", a
report written by Chancellor himself. It is followed by documents relating to the early years of the Company of
Merchant Adventurers, including a description of the visit to England of
the first Russian Ambassador, Osep Nepeja. 
"The English in Muscovy during the Sixteenth
Century" was written by the Baron de Bogoushevsky sometime before 1878.
It gives a different perspective on the relationships between England
and Russia and includes transcriptions of many letters between the
rulers of the two countries.

The Origin and Early History of the Russia or Muscovy
Company

During the reign of Edward VI a group of merchants financed
an expedition to attempt a north east passage to China and the East Indies.
They sent out three ships one of which reached the coast of Russia.

The book takes the story of the Muscovy Company through
to 1610, and concludes with a brief history of the establishment of the
Whale Fishery.